Word searches in Persian tutoring sessions
Opportunities for language learning
Word searches have been widely examined in L1 conversation and L2 conversation. A word search occurs when speakers
encounter problems retrieving the words needed to continue their talk, which may be completed by the speakers themselves or other
interlocutors. This study uses a conversation analytic framework to analyze word search practices that turn into language
learning. The study explores how participants enter word searches and transform them into language learning experiences. The data
are from seven hours of video- and/or audio-taped naturally occurring conversations in Persian tutoring sessions between a native
Persian-speaking tutor and a native English-speaking tutee. The study reveals that, despite limited linguistic competence, the
tutee is an interactionally competent speaker who uses word searches as an interactional resource to solve communication
breakdowns. The study also shows how the participants develop word searches into explicit pedagogical opportunities and engage in
teaching and learning practices.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Word searches
- 2.1Word searches in L1 interaction
- 2.2Word searches in L2 interaction and language learning opportunities
- 3.Data and methodology
- 4.Findings
- 4.1Word search: Halloween
- 4.2Word search: Childhood house
- 4.3Word search: Childhood house continued
- 5.Discussion
- 6.Implications of the study
- 7.Limitations and directions for future research
- Acknowledgments
-
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